United States Metal Can Market Overview, 2030

The U.S. metal can market began with the introduction of tinplate cans for food preservation, which evolved with the invention of automatic canning machines to improve efficiency. Aluminium gradually replaced steel in beverage cans due to its lighter weight and recyclability. The development of easy-open pull-tabs further increased convenience for consumers. In the U.S., aluminium has emerged as the dominant material, especially for beverages such as soda, beer, and energy drinks. This is due to aluminium’s superior corrosion resistance, recyclability, and lightweight nature, making it easier to transport and cooler faster. While tinplate remains widely used for food cans, aluminium’s appeal continues to grow. The use of metal cans, particularly for food preservation, surged during the Civil War when canning was vital for providing long-lasting food supplies to soldiers. This dominance is driven by cost-effectiveness in manufacturing, faster production speeds, and consumer convenience. As sustainability and recycling take centre stage, aluminium’s eco-friendly qualities align with market trends, cementing its place as the preferred choice in the packaging industry. The largest players in the U.S. Metal Can & Container Manufacturing market include Ball Corp, Crown Holdings, Inc., and Ardagh Group S.A. Their market leadership is supported by strong global operations and a focus on meeting growing consumer demand for eco-friendly and recyclable packaging options. Government policies also support the market’s growth, with initiatives like the National Recycling Strategy and Bottle Bills encouraging recycling, alongside tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act for eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Recycling regulations play a significant role in shaping the metal can market, as aluminium and steel cans are among the most recycled packaging materials in the U.S. State-level initiatives, such as container deposit programs in California, Oregon, and Michigan, incentivize consumers to return used cans for recycling. The Aluminium Association and other industry groups work with government agencies to promote sustainable practices and increase the recycling rate of metal cans.

According to the research report ""US Metal Can Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the US Metal Can market is anticipated to grow at more than 3.72% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The industry's commitment to sustainability has also resulted in initiatives promoting circular economy practices, such as increasing the use of recycled materials and improving recycling infrastructure. The beverage industry, encompassing products such as soda, beer, and energy drinks, plays a substantial role in this expansion, as aluminium is lightweight and effective at preserving product quality while being easy to transport. Steel cans, used for food packaging, also play a significant role due to their durability and ability to protect contents from external elements. Consumer preferences are shifting towards more convenient, single-serve packaging, and metal cans meet this demand with portability, quick cooling properties, and ease of use. The demand for packaged and preserved foods continues to rise, boosting the need for durable packaging that extends shelf life, with both steel and metal cans playing crucial roles in food preservation. The industry also faces certain challenges. The extraction of aluminium has environmental consequences, including high energy consumption and habitat destruction. To address this, increasing the use of recycled aluminium can significantly reduce the need for raw material extraction and lessen environmental impacts. Technological advancements in can-making have led to the development of lightweight, easy-to-open, and resealable cans, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Additionally, digital printing technologies allow brands to customize packaging, enhancing marketing efforts and consumer engagement. Steel cans, while heavier than aluminium, face challenges in transportation costs, which can be reduced by adopting lighter materials. Metal cans are durable, but their shape flexibility is limited compared to other materials like plastic, hindering certain design innovations. This issue can be tackled by focusing on customized designs and printing techniques. The fluctuating cost of raw materials such as aluminium and steel presents a challenge, but long-term contracts or alternative materials may help mitigate these price swings.

In the U.S. metal can market, both aluminium and steel play crucial roles, but each material offers unique characteristics that cater to different needs and industries. Aluminium stands out primarily due to its excellent corrosion resistance and lightweight nature, making it ideal for products in the U.S. where portability and ease of handling are key. Its formability allows for complex shapes and designs, which is particularly valuable for product branding in the U.S. market. Aluminium’s ability to be recycled infinitely without degradation is one of its most significant benefits. The recycling process for aluminium uses just 5% of the energy required to create new aluminium, making it not only an environmentally friendly option but also a cost-effective one in the U.S. As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the packaging industry, aluminium’s recyclability gives it a distinct advantage, especially in the U.S. beverage market, where it is used widely. Steel is known for its strength and rigidity, making it the preferred choice in the U.S. for applications requiring durability and protection from high pressures or extreme temperatures. Steel is more resistant to certain types of mechanical stress and can handle higher temperatures better than aluminium, which is why it’s often used in the U.S. food canning industry, particularly for products requiring heat sterilization. Steel is also highly cost-effective compared to aluminium, particularly when sourcing in bulk in the U.S. Its corrosion resistance is typically lower than aluminium, meaning it requires additional coatings, adding to production costs. Despite this, steel's strength and recyclability have cemented its place in U.S. industries where structural integrity and long shelf life are crucial.

In the U.S. metal can market, different types of can ends are used to ensure ease of access, product freshness, and convenience. Among the most common are Easy-Open Ends (EOE) and Peel-Off Ends (POE), each offering unique advantages for both manufacturers and consumers. Easy-Open Ends (EOE) are the most widely used in U.S. beverage cans, providing a convenient method for consumers to access their products without needing a can opener. EOE designs typically feature a pull-tab that, when lifted, punctures the can’s lid, allowing the contents to be accessed with minimal effort. This feature is essential for the U.S. beverage industry, where speed, convenience, and portability are key selling points. EOE designs are commonly made from aluminium, aligning with the overall use of lightweight, recyclable material in U.S. beverage cans. Peel-Off Ends (POE) is more commonly used in U.S. food packaging. These ends are designed with a peelable metal lid, which can be removed without a can opener. POE is typically used for products that require easy access, like soups, sauces, or other canned foods in the U.S. market. These ends also provide the benefit of a hermetic seal, ensuring the food stays fresh longer. While POE ends are often made from aluminium, steel is also a popular material for these types of closures, especially in U.S. food cans, where strength and heat resistance are crucial for preserving contents. Other than EOE and POE, end types in the U.S. market also include pull-tabs for specific uses in both food and beverage cans, depending on the product's packaging needs.

The U.S. metal can market includes both two-piece and three-piece can designs, which determine the material used for production. In a two-piece can, the body and the base are formed from a single sheet of metal, typically aluminum. These cans are commonly used for beverages in the U.S. due to their lightweight nature and efficiency in production. In the two-piece design, the body is drawn from a flat metal sheet and then shaped into a can, while the top is sealed with a separate lid. Aluminum is favored in the two-piece design in the U.S. because it is easier to shape, lightweight, and cost-effective for high-volume production, particularly in the U.S. beverage industry. In contrast, the three-piece can consists of a body, a top, and a bottom, with the body being a cylindrical piece of metal that is welded or soldered together at the seam. in the U.S. ,Steel is the predominant material used in the three-piece design, especially for food cans. This design is more rigid and can handle the high pressure and temperature changes that are typical in food processing, such as during sterilization. Steel’s resistance to corrosion and strength under extreme conditions makes it ideal for U.S. food packaging, where long shelf life and preservation are key factors. The choice of material in these designs is largely influenced by the type of product being packaged in the U.S. Aluminium is favored for cans that need to be lightweight and portable, while steel is better suited for the durability and structural integrity needed in food cans. Both materials play crucial roles in different sectors within the U.S., with aluminium dominating the beverage can market and steel holding a strong position in food packaging.

In the U.S., metal cans are widely used across various industries, including food, beverages, cosmetics and personal care, and pharmaceuticals, with each sector benefiting from the unique properties of materials like aluminium and steel. In the U.S. food industry, metal cans are essential for preserving a wide range of products, from soups and vegetables to meats and sauces. Steel is commonly used here due to its ability to withstand high temperatures during the canning process, ensuring product safety and longevity. The durability and sealability of metal cans make them ideal for long-term storage, keeping food fresh without refrigeration. Aluminium is also used in certain food products in the U.S., particularly for ready-to-eat meals and snacks, offering the benefit of being lighter and easier to handle. In the U.S. beverage industry, aluminium cans dominate the market due to their lightweight nature and recyclability. They are extensively used for sodas, beer, energy drinks, and ready-to-drink cocktails. Aluminium’s ability to maintain product freshness and its versatility in design make it the material of choice for beverages that require portability and extended shelf life in the U.S.. In U.S. cosmetics and personal care, metal cans are commonly used for packaging products like hairsprays, deodorants, and shaving creams. Aluminium is the preferred material here, as it offers a sleek, modern aesthetic while also ensuring the preservation of the product’s quality. In the U.S. the material’s resistance to corrosion and its ability to be molded into various shapes make it ideal for cosmetic packaging. In the U.S. pharmaceutical sector, metal cans are used for packaging products like aerosol medications, inhalers, and certain over-the-counter treatments. Aluminium is often chosen for its ability to maintain the integrity of sensitive products, protecting them from external factors such as light and air, which could affect their efficacy. The airtight sealing capabilities of metal cans make them an ideal choice for pharmaceuticals requiring precision and protection.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Metal Can Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Material
• Aluminum
• Steel

By Closure Type
• Easy-open end (EOE)
• Peel-off end (POE)
• Others

By Product
• 2-Piece cans
• 3-Piece cans

By Application
• Food
• Beverages
• Cosmetics and personal care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.